Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Used Car Vs a New Car

Buying a used car is a great way to save some6. Higher Used Car Standards
money and still get the car you've been searching for.Thanks to new lemon laws and auto history check
Whether you're constrained by your pocketbook orwebsites, it has become easier than ever to determine
have certain automotive needs that must be metif a used car has undergone any major damage.
(such as a backseat for the kids or four-wheel driveSome used car dealerships also offer used car
for winter weather), today's used car options delivercertification, which guarantees that they have been
almost everything new cars do and at a lower overalllooked over and approved by a qualified mechanic.
cost.7. Avoiding Car Dealerships
1. DepreciationWhen buying a used car, you have a number of
The second you drive a new car off the lot, its valueplaces to look. You can peruse car classifieds, visit
depreciates by as much as 20 percent. Studies showeBay or Craigslist, or opt for a used car dealership.
that most cars are only worth 60 to 70 percent ofNew cars typically only come from one place - the
their original value three years after their purchase.dealer - so you have limited options when it comes to
When you buy a used car, all the depreciation hassalesmen and haggling over prices.
already been absorbed by the original owner.8. Finding Good Deals
2. No Overpriced Dealer RepairsOwners of new cars can be a pretty finicky set. Many
When you purchase certain makes and models ofpeople turn over their cars after one or two years
new cars, the parts covered under warranty aren'tsimply as a matter of course, while others may decide
valid if you use your own mechanic. In these instances,that the monthly payments are too high to continue. If
your only choice is to return to the dealership to getyou take the time to look for quality used cars, you
your repairs done. This is basically the dealership's waymight find some incredibly good deals from individuals
of getting you into their shops with their overpricedwho are motivated to sell.
service. When you buy a used car, you can get9. More Bang for Your Buck
repairs done on your own terms.When you drive a new car straight off the lot, you
3. Save Moneytypically pay for every added feature. When you
Buying used cars whether you are buying from a usedupgrade to include a sunroof, tinted windows, and a
car dealership, car classifieds, or online sites likespoiler, you can leave with a total price thousands of
Craigslist simply costs less money than buying new.dollars higher than the sticker price. Used cars with
New cars run an average of $25,000, while used carsthese same amenities might cost a little more than
are closer to the $10,000 range. If you're buying from athose without, but not nearly to the same extent.
private seller, you might even be able to haggle the10. Used Cars can be just as Reliable if carefully
price down or barter to keep costs low.inspected
4. Save the PlanetAlthough buying a new car may seem like a more
While buying a hybrid car might seem like a great wayresponsible choice, no car purchase is guaranteed to
to go green, it actually takes more energy to build abe hassle-free. Factory recalls, faulty parts, and
new hybrid than it does to buy a fuel-efficient usedrequired maintanence repairs can occur just as easily
car. Every time a hybrid comes off the assembly line, itin a new car as they can in a used car. As long as
takes about 46,000 miles of driving before the caryou have your used car purchase checked out and
breaks even? in the amount of energy it savesyou take good care of it, the overall reliability of your
through fuel efficiency. Buying a used car in the firstcar can be just as good as a new car. Further, cars
place as long as it's not a gas guzzler will actuallyhave also become more reliable with advances in
reduce your carbon footprint.technology.
5. Lower Car Insurance RatesBuying a car - regardless of whether you choose new
Car insurance rates are higher for new cars than theyor used - is a major endeavor that can put a strain on
are for used cars. The reasons are simple: new carsyour finances for years. Fortunately, most of the
are more likely to be financed (and therefore need fullbenefits of buying a used car have to do with money.
coverage), and annual insurance rates can run as highAs long as you take your time, evaluate your
as 20 percent of a car's sticker price. Buying a newer,prospective purchases, and have a mechanic check
more expensive model can end up costing you moneyout the used car before you buy it, you and your used
for years.car can spend many happy years together.